DVD player

[zgrm100]

Hi guys. I just recently built my own computer, And I want to ger a DVD-Rom drive so that I can make backups of my current dvd collection to the divx format. I have noticed that there are some generic dvd-rom drives out there for like 30 bucks. Now My questoin is:
Can you guys suggest a specific brand of these drives, or what specs should i look for? Will I be able to make good dvd backups form these cheap $50 drives that claim to run the dvd at 16X. Thank you for your time, and you information would be greatlyappreciated.

[hwoodwar]

I would suggest one of the Lite-Ons. Lite-On drives (CD, CD-RW and DVD) have a good reputation, are generally considered high quality and you should be able to get a Lite-On 16x DVD at Newegg for about $40-$50. I use them a lot, between three desktop systems I have two Lite-On DVD drives and two Lite-On CD burners.

[zgrm100]

ok thanks, So there are really no other specs to look for? This should be sufficient for making divx backups? Thanks again

[hwoodwar]

There is some sort of special term related to ripping speed. I think it's DAE but that information is rarely part of the published specifications for the drive. I do remember in side by side ripping comparisons of different IDE DVD drives that the Lite-Ons were in the fastest 25 percent.

Looking at the user reviews at newegg for the LITE-ON LTD-166S16X DVD ROM Drive I found:

Eric,10/30/2002 4:27:46 PM: "...So far, so good. I DAE'ed a movie soundtrack at an average of 31x. Very quick. It's also a fast CD-ROM reader, too. The noise level is quiet. You hear a "swoosh" sound when the disc spins-up, but besides that playing DVDs and all, there is virtually no noise. Great drive all around. Firmware is upgraded on a regular basis, too. It comes with PowerDVD software which, in my opinion, is great software. "

earlthepearl,10/31/2002 4:29:30 AM: "This is the one to get! So far it is perfect! Very fast DAE! Quiet and comes with DVD software. Way to go NEW.EGG. "